In brief: Public works chief leaving Spokane Valley

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley Public Works Director Neil Kersten has confirmed that he will be leaving the city sometime in May.

Kersten was one of the first department heads hired by Spokane Valley when the city incorporated in 2003. He came to Spokane Valley from Alaska, where he was the public works director for the Fairbanks Northstar Borough. Kersten’s departure further cuts down the number of employees who have been with the city since the beginning. Several other department heads have quit in the past two years.

Kersten said he misses Alaska, where all his children and grandchildren live. In the immediate future he plans to work with one of his sons who owns his own business, Kersten said.

The city is preparing to advertise Kersten’s position. “We’re going to do a full search,” said City Manager Mike Jackson. He hopes to have a smooth transition, Jackson said. “There’s work to do to prepare,” he said.

County seeking board applicants

SPOKANE COUNTY – Spokane County Commissioners are seeking applicants for volunteer positions on county boards and commissions.

They include the Developmental Disabilities Board, Emergency Services Communications Policy Board, Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee and Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

The solid waste committee has vacancies for a citizen, a waste industry representative and a public interest group representative.

In addition, there are vacancies for positions representing Commissioner District 2 in the eastern and southeastern portions of the county.

Those openings are on the Citizens Emergency Communications Systems & Facilities Advisory Committee, Fair and Expo Advisory Board and Spokane County Shooting Advisory Board.

Applications are available under the boards and commissions link at spokanecounty.org.

For more information on applications, contact Ginna Vasquez at (509) 477-2265 or at gvasquez@spokane county.org.